Taming chimeras in networks through multiplexing delays

Abstract

Chimera referring to a coexistence of coherent and incoherent states, is traditionally very difficult to control due to its peculiar nature. Here, we provide a recipe to construct chimera states in the multiplex networks with the aid of multiplexing delays. The chimera state in multiplex networks is produced by introducing heterogeneous delays in a fraction of inter-layer links, referred to as multiplexing delay, in a sequence. Additionally, the emergence of the incoherence in the chimera state can be regulated by making the appropriate choice of both inter- and intra-layer coupling strengths, whereas the extent and the position of the incoherence regime can be regulated by appropriate placing and strength of the multiplexing delays. The proposed technique to construct such engineered chimera equips us with multiplex network's structural parameters as tools in gaining both qualitative and quantitative control over the incoherent section of the chimera states and, in turn, the chimera. Our investigation can be of worth in controlling dynamics of multi-level delayed systems and attain the desired chimeric patterns.